would be around for future generations. >> the action the president took has actually strengthened the medicare trust fund and exceeded its life up to 2024. >> reporter: off the campaign trail, president obama and challenger mitt romney are prepping for their first debate. in practice sessions, romney will get help from ohio senator rob fortman, who will play the role of the president. president obama will look to massachusetts senator john kerry to stand in for romney. behind in recent polls, some campaign watchers say romney has more riding on the debates, as well as more to gain, than the president. >> the challenger has the opportunity to establish he is competent to stand up and hold his own against the president of the united states. a challenger who accomplishes that in effect wins the first debate. >> reporter: wednesday's debate gives both candidates a chance to explain their plans for health care and the economy. drew levinson, cbs news. >> the first of the three presidential debates is wednesday at the university of denver. it will focus on domestic policy. the vice-presidential depa